The BIG Six!!

Today Halle Grace, you turn SIX.  I can hardly believe it.  You, sweet girl, made us a Mommy & Daddy for the first time.  From the time you were placed in your Daddy's arms, we knew you were exactly where you needed to be.  To this day, you are your Daddy's biggest fan.  You fill our lives with laughter, so much laughter.  As you have gotten older you say the most silly things.  And we love to hear them!  You dance like no one is looking and I hope that never, ever changes.  You are embracing Kindergarten and school with vigor.  I love to see you waving to friends when you arrive and your smile as you see them.  This girl is reading.  My goodness. I know I didn't read until I was in first grade.  The other night you read one of your books to Daddy and I and we smiled as we listened to you.  More than anything, we love to hear your grow and learn knew things. This is a JOY to us.  You are fierce and passionate about your little sister.  Oh, I wish I could post some pictures of the two of you together.  You love her like no other and can make her giggle at the drop of a hat.  The smiles she gives you are so sweet and loving.  She knows who you are big Sissy.  Your ear for music is uncanny and hearing you worship our Jesus is one of my very favorite things, ever.  When I can't find you in the house the first place I look is in the garage with your Daddy.  I'm sure you are the only 6 year old girl that put a hole in her Super Hero cape by riding your Daddy's creeper like a skateboard.  I'm surprised we haven't visited the ER yet needing stitches or a cast for broken bones. You have changed the brake pads on the car and helped Daddy with the Bronco.  Thank goodness this year you are starting to try some new foods.  We still struggle to get you to eat.  But, you'd never guess by looking at our tall, healthy, so beautiful girl.  

Halle, we pray this next year brings you closer to Jesus.  That you become more aware of who He is and can be in your life.  That you embrace SIX whole-heartedly.  Fill this year full of memories, learning and loving.  Sing, dance and smile.  Hold your head up high, sweet girl.  Our Jesus made you unique and beautiful and He didn't skip a beat.  We are so thankful for you and the blessing you are in our lives.  

Love you sweet girl, 

Daddy & Mommy

SECOND Birthday Party Pictures

This post is FULL of pictures...ENJOY!  I don't think words are necessary.  I made Hal's shirt and her Foster Mom, MaryLynne made her sooo cute pants....we partied at Grammie's and had a FABULOUS time!!  OH...I made the monkey cupcakes with Grammie's help as well.

 

Happy SECOND Birthday!!

Today is your 2nd birthday Miss Halle Grace...I CAN NOT believe this BIG girl was the very same almost 9 lb'er we flew home from Texas with.  At the time she was 2 months old....and OH SO cute, guess what??  She still is!!  Her Daddy is trying to train her young...as you can tell by the above picture.  We'll let him....he even got her a PINK camo shirt for her birthday.  It's pretty cute!!  We'll celebrate at Grammie's house today with her cousins, Auntie's & Uncles, Nana & Papa....and she is getting a BIKE!  I can't wait to see the look on her face!!

To my silly, stubborn little brown girl,
Today you are TWO!  You have been practicing with Mommy and Daddy how to say that when people ask you.  You're doing GREAT!  You, my little ray of sunshine are as silly as they come.  You are so quick to give kisses and make the "mmmmm" sound when you do that...that is ALWAYS followed up with "love you"....that's what we say to you when we give you a kiss, so I guess it came naturally.  You still LOVE books and being read to....and your love of all things "Veggie Tales" is ongoing....not to mention, Elmo & Miss Patty Cake....."Lady and the Tramp" comes in at a very close second.  I wish you were as passionate about mealtime as you are about playtime!  HEHE!  You do not like to eat much and  almost every meal we have to coax you through it.  It's gets very tiring for both Mommy & Daddy. We're hoping this year, you'll grow out of that???  You love your Grammie, Titi, Nana, Papa, Auntie, Uncle and cousins....and readily talk about them throughout the week.  This year has proved to be an amazing year of new things for you....you went from walking to running, you've mastered climbing and love slides and swings at the park....your love for animals has GROWN.....and I still see a puppy in our future...Nana calls you her "little farmer girl".  Happiness for you is your boots and a BIG backyard to roam in.  You enjoyed your Saturday's with Nana watering flowers and checking the vegetable garden...not to mention eating strawberries right out of Nana & Papa's patch!  Your little singsong voice following me around at home makes me smile and Mommy almost cried watching you sing to Miss Patty Cake the other day...motions and all.  It's not uncommon for me to hear, "more, more" from you after I've finished a song...I respond with "more what"??  Your answer to me "SINGING".  While on the subject of music it should be noted that you know what kind of music you want and when you want it!  Well, that's pretty much true for everything with you. BUT, honestly, when we get in the car you usually shout out the title of the song you would like to listen to.  Your favorites:  "Big Green Tractor" by Jason Aldean & "What I like about YOU" by the Romantics....you also like David Crowder and are starting to sing many of his songs along with Mommy....It's so super cute to hear you say "Hallelujah"!  You're getting so big and it's a lot harder to snuggle with you at night before bed...you just don't fit well!  BUT, we'll keep doing it until you don't let Mommy and Daddy anymore.  YOU our little brown girl still bring us much joy and laughter....you love life and everything that it's about....you do challenge every boundary we give you and definitely keep us on our toes.  We are so thankful that our Jesus brought you into our lives....it was kinda boring before you came!  We pray that this your second year is filled with more wonder and amazement...continued learning and growing...your letters, colors & numbers...and more importantly Jesus' love for you!

We love you Halle Grace Louella,
Mommy & Daddy too....

So Sweet!

Just a sneak peek at a birthday pic! This is for you Grammie Mary!!

Happy FIRST Birthday!

Miss Halle -- 1 year old

Tomorrow is Halle's first birthday...I seriously can't believe it! WOW! She has been with us for 10 whole months. In a way it seems like just yesterday we arrived home from Texas. BUT...in other ways I feel like she's been ours FOREVER!! This little girl is the light of our lives. She brings us so much joy and LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of laughter. So, here dear sweet little girl is your birthday letter from Mommy!!

Dear Halle Grace,

Mommy can not believe you are going to be one tomorrow....the time has flown by!! I was telling Daddy just the other night that I can hardly remember what it was like when you were so tiny. When you came to live with Mommy & Daddy you were about 9lbs...now, you weigh 20lbs and you are so looooonnnnnggggg....you get that from your Birth Mommy! Words can not express how much I love you little girl...I will NEVER take for granted that love. I will kiss your cheeks until you grow too big and won't let me any more and, just for the record, that's going to be a long way off!! You sweet brown girl fill Mommy's life with smiles, laughter and so much fun. I love, love, love that you love music just like your Mommy & Daddy. Dancing is one of your favorite things to do! And you have more rythmn than either one of us has. You face life head on with no fear though we're not sure if that's good or bad, but...I'm going with good. This would be the reason that tonight you got your very first bloody lip. For the same reason, we're pretty sure it won't be your last. We're working on saying some words right now and I seriously, never want to forget how you say "dog". It's the cutest thing....you have to concentrate really hard and then at the end you don't get the whole "g" out but, lots of spit comes instead! You little girl could charm the socks off anybody...the checker at the grocery store, Grammie's friends at the bank and more than anything your Daddy!! You love your Daddy so much and that makes Mommy so happy...I love to see your face when you see your Daddy after he's been away at work. You use your ever so speedy crawling skills and get to him as fast as you can. You follow him EVERYWHERE...and even wait outside the bathroom door for him. Your Daddy waited a very long time to have a little girl like you, Halle Grace. There are so many things I don't want to forget....like how you get so excited when we come to get you out of your crib, I sometimes think you might jump right out you're so excited. Or, how you tip your sippy cup back so far when you're drinking you almost fall over...you makes us laugh sweet girl! And all the silly games we can play with you and your blankie. We can get you giggling so hard....But, my most favorite thing of all is snuggling with you sweet girl. I rocked you for just a *little* bit tonight before you went to bed...I was remembering when you were so tiny your feet hardly made it to my waist...and you'd tuck your legs up with your little bum in the air. Now your legs are so long they hang down to my knees when I'm sitting. But, just like kissing your cheeks...I will rock you until you won't let me anymore! Halle, Daddy and I pray that this year will be one of wonder and delight for you. That your little brain will retain lots and lots and you will learn more and more. We pray our Jesus will bless you baby girl...that He will keep you safe and away from harm. But most of all we pray that when the time is right you will ask Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior. We love you Halle Bear....you truly are a gift from God!!!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Mommy (and Daddy too!)

Miss Halle -- Two days old

Fun at the Park

On Sunday, September 6, we celebrated Great-Grandma Benner's 80th birthday!! WAHOOO!! I asked her how it felt to be 80...she said, "Not much different...I still feel with my hands!"...what a jokester! We are glad we got to spend some time with Grandma, the Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. We were at the the city park which made it lots of fun for all the kids. AND..the rain held out until we were leaving....PHEW! Halle especially loved Lisa & Matt's puppy Hixson. If she could, she would hug every dog she sees...I'm so glad too. I was scared of dogs for a long time and I don't want her to be like that too! After we had lunch, cake & visited we took Halle down the park to "play" and have an impromptu photo shoot. We needed some pictures for her birthday invites. She loves the swings and slide...in fact, she was crying because I went down with her. SHEESH!! Can you say: strong willed?? That's our little girl!!

Happy Birthday!!!

August 27 is our nephew Kai's birthday.  So, we all got together on Labor day & celebrated like only a newly three year old would...at the city park.  It was actually so nice for all the kids.  But...it was kinda chilly....the wind was whipping around.  Kai is one of the most energetic, enthusiastic little boys I know.  He uses so much expression while talking...I just love it!  You can't help but laugh when he get's so excited...it's contagious.  He loves his Papa and John Deere Tractors...in fact, when he was smaller we would hold up a green crayon and ask him what color it was...he would quickly respond, "John Deere Green"!!  His blue eyes shine with excitement when his Papa walks into the room and we're all sure to get HUGE hugs when coming and going from Kai!  Uncle Aaron and Auntie April are so glad Jesus made you Kai!  You fill our lives with added fun and laughter!  We pray Jesus blesses you as you continue to grow in Him!  Happy Birthday Kai Vincent-Rhoads....We love YOU!!!  

Here Kai is with his so cool cake! His Mom rocks!  I don't think I could do this!!

YES!!!  Legos from Grandma & Grandpa!!!  He's following in Bryce's footsteps...

A close-up of this AMAZING cake!!!

Happy Birthday Bryceton!

Transformers lunch box...watch out...Kai might like that too!!! 

SWEET Lego ice cream cake

Happy Birthday Bryceton!  We celebrated Bryce's birthday on July 19.  I missed out since I was at work, but...Uncle Aaron took over picture duty.  Thanks!!  Bryce had a lego themed birthday party complete with a green "lego" ice cream cake!  SWEET!!!  Bryce is the oldest of the Benner grandkids and he takes his job seriously.  And might I add, he does a super job of it!!  What a sweet boy he is, both Aaron and I are so proud to call him our nephew.  He like to play sports and takes drum lessons.....and loves to play with legos and Uncle Aaron's Transformers!  Who saves all their Transformers from childhood?  That would be my husband...and we're so glad he did.  So are the boys!!  Bryceton, we hope your year is filled with wonder and amazement...we pray you strive to be the boy Jesus has called you to be.  That you will learn lots in school this year and meet new friends...we love you Bryceton Robert....Happy Birthday!!!  

Eden's Birthday

Happy birthday to our niece Eden!!  Her birthday is June 28, but...we celebrated at Nana & Papa's  on June 22.  We missed Auntie Heather and Uncle Shaun, but...we were thinking about you!  I can remember the day Aaron called me to tell me that Eden had been born.  We were still dating at the time.  And now that little niece of ours is going off to kindergarten in the fall.  WOW!!  Eden Sierra you fill our lives with spunk!  You take in everything and do it full force.  I have enjoyed watching you at your ballet recitals and love your love of all things GIRL!!  Let me tell you this girl has a sweet tooth...and she loves Mac & Cheese with a passion.  Uncle Aaron and Auntie April pray Jesus blesses you as you continue to grow and learn.  We pray your first year in school will be one filled with new things that bring you joy! That you will meet new friends and be an example to them.  We love you Eden, Happy Birthday!!!  

Who's this?  EDEN!!  What a sweetheart!  Look how big you are now! 

Happy birthday Eden...we can't believe you're FIVE!!!  

I think this face says it all!!  Hayden loves her cake!!

Bryce & Kai hanging out at Nana & Papa's....I think they were playing a game on the computer. Aren't they cute???  

Hayden's Birthday

Happy birthday to our dear niece Hayden!!!  She turned two on May 16, but...we celebrated on Memorial Day at Nana & Papa's.  What a sweet girl she is and so smart too.  She loves to be outside with the big kids and to dance.  It's really cute to watch her while she dances to one of her favorite DVD's.  Like any other two year old little girl, she loves the Disney Princesses...check out her cake!! Not to be outdone by her boy cousins...she likes John Deere too.  Nana & Papa got her a pink JD shirt and a pink that that says, "I'm a John Deere Princess".  How cute is that?  We look forward to spending many more birthdays with you Hayden Elizabeth.  We love you,

Uncle Aaron and Auntie April 

Happy Birthday!!!

Today is Aaron's birthday!!  My dear, sweet husband...he's 29 (+5!!!) and in his heart not a day past 20, I'm sure.  I just wanted to take the time to let him know how much I love him!!  I can't believe God has blessed me with someone as dear as him.  He is selfless, sweet, understanding, handy (I love that!) and handsome too!!!  The complete package.  I could not ask for anything more.  We have been through some not so good things together, including our almost three years of infertility.  I wanted nothing more than to make him a daddy!  He will be the best....see, he even likes to play Legos with our nephew Bryce!  He is quiet where I'm outspoken and somewhat loud.  He does not worry, when I sometimes do (I know God doesn't want me to, I've been working on that).  He is calm when I can be somewhat high strung. He is my rock and my listening ear.  He is not so talkative, but...when he does have something to say it is so profound.  God has given him the gift of playing guitar and singing....trust, me God knew what He was doing.  He is an incredible wood worker and has built not one, but TWO guitars.  One he plays during worship at church. He makes me laugh...and smile.  He is affectionate and snuggly...mmmmmm....love, love that!! He is hands down the best at grilling on our charcoal grill.  And...he can fix anything!  I love him and I'm so glad God chose him to be my husband.  And I can't wait to make him a Daddy!!!  

I love you Aaron...Happy Birthday